The “Forbidden City” near Berlin: A Look into Germany's Most Famous Lost Place
South of Berlin lies a place with a mysterious history: Wünsdorf. Throughout Germany, this place is known today as the “Forbidden City.” It is one of the country's most fascinating so-called “lost places”—locations that are abandoned and slowly being reclaimed by nature.
The history of Wünsdorf is closely linked to the military. Even during the Imperial era and later during the Nazi period, the site was an important military center. After the Second World War, the Soviet Army took over the vast grounds. For the general population of the GDR, access was strictly forbidden, which gave the place its mysterious name.
During the Cold War, up to 75,000 Soviet soldiers and their families lived in Wünsdorf. It was like a Russian city in the middle of Brandenburg, complete with its own schools, shops, and cinemas. When the Russian troops finally withdrew in 1994, they simply left many buildings and bunkers empty.
Today, Wünsdorf attracts many tourists and photographers interested in history and abandoned places. The old barracks and the impressive bunker complexes offer a very special atmosphere. Visitors can learn more about the past on guided tours and see how nature is slowly reclaiming the architecture.
Wünsdorf remains an important monument of German history. It serves as a reminder of the era of division and the military past of the 20th century. For people seeking silence and mystery, the “Forbidden City” is a worthwhile destination right at the gates of the capital.